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Common Ground

Common Ground is a visual commentary on life in Hampton Roads. Every 12 weeks a new Virginian-Pilot photographer starts a photo series around a topic of his or her choosing.



Starting May 12: "Day Trips" - a series of essays and images introducing you to some surprising experiences and locations where you can visit and return within a day. Each week a different Virginian-Pilot staff photographer will take you to a destination about 2 hours away or less. Have any ideas for a day trip destination? Email us and let us know!

Prayers and Processions - Wedding Day

“It was exciting and terrifying at the same moment,” said Rebecca Segall. “It was a great moment that we were all able to celebrate, but at the same time I'm scared of heights.”

Smiles scattered through the dance floor as she was twirled around, tethered to her husband, Craig Segall, 22, by a tiny cloth, as part of the Jewish tradition of the Horah. The two were married at the Lesner Inn in Virginia Beach.

During the Horah, a newlywed couple is lifted into the air and carried around by their loved-ones. For these two, it also was a symbol of the couple's new unity as a Jewish couple, since Rebecca was a recent convert to the Jewish faith.

“For me religion wasn't too important,” said Rebecca. “I realized how important it was to him, and I identified with it more than any other religion that was out there. It was easy for me to make that transition.”

“I felt so happy for my side of the family” said the 22-year-old the Norfolk resident. “They've been so supportive (of the conversion) and it was nice for them to take part in that moment.”

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